DETROIT – The end of the year always brings time for reflection.
For me, that means thinking back on the best meals, drinks and places that brought be joy.
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This is the third edition (here’s the 2022 list, and the 2023 list, if you care) of this apparently new tradition I’ve kept going, where I highlight the awesome local places that kept the good vibes rolling.
Some are new, some are old, some are in the middle, but they’ve all equally scored many points on my made up scoreboard.
So, without further ado, here’s my list of my favorite Detroit things in 2024.
Core City glow up
If you’re not familiar with Core City, you’re not looking hard enough. This small Detroit neighborhood is one of the best areas for food in the city right now.
Nestled between Woodbridge and Corktown, in the area of Warren and Grand River, a seemingly quiet setting is anything but, and the noise is coming from the kitchen.
Barda was the first to plant roots in the area as a fine dining establishment, but many have followed since.
Puma: Barda’s sister restaurant, Puma, opened across Grand River as an Argentinian street food concept, with an eclectic drink menu and, depending on when you show up, a live DJ spinning house music. You’ve GOT to try the choripan, which my friend Carlos Parisi considers one of the best sandwiches in the area. The Ecuadorian empanada is also a huge winner. Did I mention the jicama salad? (Honestly, everything is amazing, just try it all)
Vesper: Across the intersection, diagonally, a newcomer to the good vibe scene, Vesper has opened a space inside the former bank at 5001 Grand River Avenue. The theme -- wine and books (with some delicious small plates, too). The wine list is small but curated beautifully. Grab a glass a browse the extensive cook book section to plan your next dinner party. This is a great stop for a drink before dinner, or after, or just for dinner.
Posted by Vesper Books and Wine on Thursday, December 19, 2024
Lady of the House: The return of a Detroit classic -- award-winning chef Kate Williams has revived Lady of the House, which originally opened -- and closed -- in Corktown. It’s pretty much how I remembered it, just with new digs, slightly cozier. Order the miso mushroom fettuccine and thank me later.
The food - and wine - is fire at Ladder 4
One of my favorite spots of the year has to be Ladder 4, which originally opened as a wine bar inside a restored fire house in the Chadsey Condon Detroit neighborhood, but has since, in recent years, added food. And great food.
The menu is always changing by the season, so it’s hard to tell you what to order, but the pastas are always fantastic, and the roasted cabbage is always getting ordered. The sourdough, from Motherloaf, is worth every penny.
The wine is always delightful. They are pouring from regions you don’t typically see on menus, like Austria, Georgia, Germany and Lebanon. They usually have some great skin contact options, too.
But it’s not just the wine and food at Ladder 4 -- it’s the vibes, the service, the decor, it all comes together for a beautiful experience.
Wake up and smell the coffee
I love coffee. You love coffee. We all love coffee. (Some like it black, and those people are maniacs)
2024 was definitely a year of coffee in Detroit, with so many new coffee shops opening. And even more are opening in 2025, I’ve seen the signage!
Some of my favorite coffee stops of the year include The Roost in Woodbridge, Craig’s Coffee and Kitab Cafe in the Cass Corridor, Cairo Coffee, inside Spot Lite, over in Islandview, and Anthology in Eastern Market, next to Floyd.
There are so many, it’s hard to try all of them, but I’m just glad the coffee scene as woken up in the city.
Other Detroit places I loved in 2024:
Hiroki San: Located downstairs inside the beautifully renovated Book Tower in Detroit, Hiroki San instantly transports you to a fine dining Japanese experience. The robatayaki and sushi selections is amazing, but you’ve got to try the tako-age. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever had.
La Pecora Nera: One of the most under-the-radar sandwich shops in the city, grab yourself a turkey bella, a hamboni, or an Italiano sandwich and step your lunch game up. They’re also open for breakfast, and have a location in Downtown Farmington.
Supergeil: This Corktown spot was the first place I ever named in this list, back in 2022, and it remains a staple. The cocktail list is one of the most unique you’ll find, and it’s constantly changing. The doner sandwiches are all special, but don’t sleep in the fries.
Leña: This Spanish-inspired restaurant opened this year in Brush Park, and man, it’s delicious. The whole theme is fire -- it’s in the name -- and everything on the menu is indeed fire. The menu is always changing, so just ask your server what to order.
JP Makes and Bakes: Detroit’s first Filipino bakery opened this year, next to Supino on Woodward Avenue. Stop in and grab some amazing ube cookies and brownies, pan de sal bread rolls and more. The bakery was opened by Jonathan Peregrino, who worked as the pastry chef Warda Patisserie, Oak & Reel, and Le Supreme.
Bucharest: You can’t ever go wrong with Bucharest, but I’m really noting them here for the absolute best value order of the year, the chicken shawarma salad, which shows up with what feels like $500 in chicken, for just $12. It’s a weeknight go-to-order for me. The secret is out!
SuperCrisp: Another value food find, a spin-off from Ima, Super Crisp is delivering some of the tastiest food in the city, from fried chicken and tofu sandwiches, to amazing hot dog combos, everything is beautifully crafted, and it won’t destroy your wallet. They also have nice salads!
Brewery Faisan: If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path beer, this is the place. Ride your bike on over to Brewery Faisan in the Islandview neighborhood, for some great craft brews in a friendly space, including an outdoor patio. You’ll often find a food popup there, too. The Italian pilsner is really good stuff.
Taqueria El Nacimiento: A Southwest Detroit staple, this is my favorite place for carnitas tacos, if you’re into that style. The crispy, juicy flavor, with the house green sauce is just magical.
There are many other places I enjoyed this year, but this list has to end at some point! Let me know what I missed in the comments. Cheers to another great year of experiences in 2025.
